Helen R. Funk
July 18, 1937 – May 16, 2021
Helen Ruth Funk, Peculiar, was born July 18, 1937, in Perry, the daughter of William and Rachel (Taylor) Jackson.
She died May 16 at Meadowview Health and Rehab, Harrisonville, at the age of 83 years, 9 months and 28 days.
Oct. 14, 1951, Helen married Walter Neil Funk, Sr., in Miami, Oklahoma.
Helen was employed as a waitress for many years until age 69. Later, she was employed as a cafeteria lady for the Ray-Pec Elementary School.
Helen loved growing a flower garden, enjoyed sewing, doing crafts and was a good cook. She was a great mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Funk, Sr., on Feb. 23, 1987; a grandson, Jason Neil Funk; and four brothers, J.W., Richard, Carl and Billy Joe Jackson.
She is survived by six children, Walter Neil Funk, Jr., and wife Kathy, Cummings, Georgia, Larry Funk and Garry Funk, both of Independence, Cheryl Williams, Belton, Donald Funk and wife, Mary, Kingston, Pennsylvania, Eric Funk and wife, Paula, Marble Hill, Georgia; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
A memorial graveside service will be held at a later date in the Forest Hill Cemetery, Kansas City.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Raymond E. Kidd
June 12, 1950 – May 10, 2021
Raymond E. Kidd, 70, Raymore, was born, June 12, 1950, in Marshall. He died May 10 at his home.
Ray attended Marshall High School. He left early to join the United States Army and served in Vietnam.
Ray was a gifted self-employed auto mechanic.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding his Harley-Davidson.
Raymond was preceded in death by his mother, Drucella (McKissick) Bowland; his sister, DeLinda Roe; and one stepsister, Christine Carver.
He is survived by his son, Raymond Kidd, Iowa; a daughter, Lindsey Vaughn, Iowa; a sister, Tina and Mike Fowler, Raymore; a stepbrother, Tom and Ruby Bowland, Olathe; Kansas; two stepsisters, Lora and Gary Blatt, Lee’s Summit, and Catherine Hamilton, Lenexa, Kansas; nephews, Justin Falls, Peculiar and Nick Misner, Raymore; an uncle, Charles McKissick, Marshall; three cousins, Debbie McKissick, Patty Merchant and Stacy Norris, all of Marshall; other relatives and friends.
Cremation has been accorded. Private family services will be held at a later date.
Inurnment will be in Ride Park Cemetery, Marshall.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill.
William J. McGowen
Aug. 25, 1945 – May 17, 2021
William Joseph McGowen, 75, Harrisonville, died May 17 at Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Lee’s Summit. No services are scheduled at this time. William was born Aug. 25, 1945, in Kansas City, the son of Willard Robert and Lela May (Davis) McGowen.
He attended Rodman No. 128 rural school from 1951 to 1956 and graduated from Harrisonville High School in 1963.
He graduated with a BA from Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg in 1967.
He was a lifelong resident of Harrisonville. William was a United States Air Force veteran. He had worked for the IRS before retiring Dec. 31, 2011.
William was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; sister-in-law, Mary McGowen; and two brothers-in-law, James Coons and George Thompson.
He is survived by two brothers, Robert McGowen and Rita and Richard McGowen, both of Harrisonville; two sisters, Mary Thompson, Indianola, Iowa, and Margaret A. Coons, Chariton, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Kenneth Musick
Feb. 6, 1935 – May 12, 2021
Kenneth Musick, 86, Marshall, formerly of Drexel, died May 12 at the Golden Oaks nursing home in Marshall. Kenneth was born Feb. 6, 1935, near Lisle, the son of Paul U. and Elsie Lucille Masterson Musick.
He grew up in the Drexel area and graduated from Drexel High School.
Following graduation, he served his country in the United States Air Force.
Kenny married Shirley Brewster and they had one son. He and Shirley enjoyed many years of happy marriage until her death in 1992.
Kenny worked for Bendix, which later changed to Allied Signal, and then Honeywell for more than 47 years before retiring.
When not working, Kenny enjoyed attending his son’s sporting events, tinkering with electronics, automotive work and of course fishing.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; wife Shirley Musick; sister Pauline Henderson; and brother Keithel Musick.
He is survived by his son, Dan Musick, and wife, Cindi, Marshall; grandchildren, Laura and Brock Musick; sisters, Lila Jean Curnette and Maxine Good; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Graveside services were May 17 in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Golden Oaks activity fund.
Services were under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel.
Adassa H. Nichols
Feb. 20, 2021 – May 13, 2021
Adassa Hannah Nichols, infant daughter of Michael and Audrey Nichols, died May 13 at home resting peacefully in the arms of her father, Michael Nichols, and surrounded by her loving family, mother Audrey Nichols and Aunt Addison Watson.
Immediate family attended a graveside service May 15 in Glenwild Cemetery, Cleveland, the same town where Audrey grew up. A memorial service was at Shawnee Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Our wise Heavenly Father wrote all of Adassa’s days before they began. She fought so tenaciously for life. Every breath she took overcame innumerable obstacles and defied the expectations of the experts.
Named after queen Esther in the Bible who was also known by the name Hadassah, this tiny child has had an outsized impact on our lives and will continue to be a means by which our Heavenly Father grow and sanctifies us. She has taught us the importance and power of serving others.
As everyone served and took care of us (her parents) we were able to serve our beautiful daughter’s many needs. We are called to care for the defenseless; no lack of abilities can take away from the value and preciousness of a life. We are so thankful for the families’ support in these last months.
The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21
Adassa was born in Kansas City Feb. 20, 2021. The three months we spent with her were full of joys and miracles. The family will cherish every moment we were given to spend with her.
She was preceded in death by immediate family members: great-grandmother, Sue Watson; great-grandpa, Gram McAfee; cousin, Hope Nichols; great-grandma, Lorraine Nichols; and great-grandpa, Kendle Nichols.
Surviving are loving immediate family, parents, Michael Bruce Nichols and Audrey Aleesa Nichols; grandparents, April and Aaron Watson and Kendle and Karla Nichols; aunts, Elizabeth Anna Addison Watson, Michele Palafox and Melissa Petersen; uncles, Luke Petersen, Avery, Ashton, Alex Watson and Oscar Palafox; her cousins, Wyatt, Karina and Brooklyn; great-grandparents, June and Gerald Schneider, Lindell and Nancy Watson, Bruce and Lee Ann Esther Nichols; great-great-great-grandparents, Walter Lee Hoard, Charlene Jane Hoard and Neiva Morris.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore.
Jenna L. Ruddy
Nov. 11, 2002- May 16, 2021
Jenna Leann Ruddy, 18, McKenzie, Tennessee, died May 16 at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. Jenna was born Nov. 11, 2002, in Overland Park, Kansas, the daughter of Mark and Janet (Longworth) Ruddy.
She had lived in Harrisonville growing up. She had lived in McKenzie, Tennessee, for the past four years where she attended McKenzie High School.
Jenna is survived by her mother and stepfather, Janet and James Riggan, McKenzie; her father, Mark Ruddy, Harrisonville; two brothers: Tyler Ruddy and Trenton Ruddy, both of McKenzie; her dog, Blue; her maternal grandmother, Rhonda Russell, Raymore; maternal grandfather, John Longworth, Butler; paternal grandfather, Bret Rinker, Harrisonville; maternal great-grandmother, Ruby Padley, Raymore; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services were May 21 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Burial was in Oakland Cemetery, Harrisonville.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Atkinson Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Darryl R. Wheeldon II
July 7, 1990 – May 18, 2021
Darryl Richard Wheeldon, II, Pleasant Hill, was born July 7, 1990, in Ft. Leonard Wood, the son of Darryl Richard Wheeldon and Jacqueline Lynne (Bryant) Litle. He died May 18 at his home at the age of 30 years, 10 months and 11 days.
“Booka” or “The Mighty Hunter” as most of us knew him as, had the biggest heart. He loved so fiercely. He was the best son, brother, friend, uncle and grandson and could make anyone laugh with his sweet goofiness, especially his many nieces and nephews.
He was an encourager, a protector, an incredibly hard worker and an amazing listener. He lived a simple, content life and loved people so deeply. Darryl often said that he never felt closer to God than when he was out in nature.
He was a remarkable huntsman and loved sharing his passion for hunting and nature with others. Several friends and family shot their first deer or turkey with Darryl and have fond memories of those times.
Darryl is loved by many. We will miss his contagious smile and his love of people and life.
He is survived by his father, Darryl Richard Wheeldon, Pleasant Hill; his mother and stepfather, Jacqueline and Stephen Litle, Harrisonville; two brothers, Darren Ray Wheeldon, II, and wife Hannah, Kwajalein Atoll, and Timothy Litle, Harrisonville; three sisters, Rebekah Lynne Perkins and husband, Joseph, Rich Hill, Gabrielle Golden and husband, Brandon, Dyersville, Iowa, and Elizabeth Litle, Harrisonville; paternal grandparents, George Richard and Mary Jane Wheeldon, Archie; maternal grandparents, Kenneth Bryant, Collinsville, Illinois, and Judith Bicknell, Columbus, Kansas; step-grandparents, John and Blanche Litle, Harrisonville; other relatives and many friends.
Cremation. A celebration of life service was May 25 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, with inurnment in the Strasburg Cemetery, Strasburg.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville.
Jane Hertzog
Dec. 11, 1937 – May 1, 2021
Jane Hertzog, Butler, died May 1. Jane was the daughter of Geneva Bailey Norman and Louis Norman. She was born on the family farm just south of Dexter, Dec. 11, 1937.
She graduated from Dexter High School in 1955 and graduated from the Baptist Nursing School in Kansas City.
Jane married Jerry Hertzog, the love of her life, and they raised four children, Kathy, Dan, Jim and Gary, in Greenwood.
She was a registered nurse, a genealogist, gardener, antique enthusiast and helped Jerry with the family business for many years. She meant so much to so many people and was loved by all who knew her.
Jane fell and broke her hip April 25. Although she recovered from her surgery well, her respiratory status became terminal.
With the help of Compassus Hospice thinking outside the box, she was able to be brought to her home.
Her entire immediate family welcomed her home, including children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and most of her caregivers of the past several years. Jane was able to speak to each person and tell them she loved them.
With Jerry holding her hand and giving a kiss goodbye, she went to be with her Lord May 1. A short 19 hours after her death, her family organized a gathering of friends and family at her home to celebrate her life.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Geneva Bailey Norman Zengerle; father, Louis Norman; and stepfather, Harris “Doc” Zengerle, who raised Jane and her sister, Louise Norman Stevens.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Hertzog, Butler; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Mike Simmons, Kerrville, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Elona Hertzog, Lone Jack; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Kathi Hertzog, Butler; and son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Robyn Hertzog, Greenwood; 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, with two more expected this summer; and many nieces and nephews who will miss her.
The family hosted a celebration of life at the family home. Her final resting place will be in Harper Cemetery in Aid.
The family requests that memorial donations in Jane’s name to the Lee’s Summit History museum or Compassus Hospice and Palliative care.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.
Mary E. Martin
Oct. 6, 1936 – May 19, 2021
Mary Elizabeth Martin, 84, Butler, died May 19 at Wilshire at Lakewood, Lee’s Summit. She was born Oct. 6, 1936, the daughter of William and Leona Elizabeth Kimlin Minter in Cleveland, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl, in 2003; a brother, James Minter; two sisters, Leona Nunn and Josephine Everhart; a daughter, Carol Embry; and son-in-law, Glen Embry.
Mary is survived by two sons, Ted Martin and wife Debbie, Stilwell, Kansas, and Phil Martin and wife Angie, Butler; two daughters, Barbara Walker, Sedalia, and Kimberly “Kim” Lowrimore and husband Greg, Grain Valley; 11 grandchildren, Carl Martin, Katie Martin, Kyle Martin, Matthew Martin, Kevin Walker, Crystal Walker, Shelly Cooper, Mike Embry, Amie Lowrimore, Steven Lowrimore and Brian Lowrimore; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were May 22 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Contributions are suggested to Calvary Baptist Church.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler.
Charles T. Wilson
Sept. 14, 1957 – May 13, 2021
Charles Trent Wilson, 63, died May 13 surrounded by his family. Trent was born Sept. 14, 1957, the son of Charles and Norma Jean Wilson of Butler, where he was raised in the Catholic faith.
He was a lifelong Butler resident and took great pride in being a fourth-generation farmer and rancher.
In 1981, Trent married the love of his life, Karla Jenkins, and they were blessed with three children, Jared, Lindsey and Candice.
He taught his children his work ethic and was incredibly proud of their achievements. While farming was his passion, Trent enjoyed Sunday afternoons grilling with his family and watching Chiefs football, riding dirt bikes and motorcycles, playing with the family pets and later in life, traveling with his wife.
Trent was preceded in death by his parents; his wife’s parents; brother, Edward Newport; sister-in-law, Barbara Jenkins; and nephew, Alex Jenkins.
He is survived by his wife, Karla, and son, Jared, Butler; daughters, Lindsey and husband Ryan McKoon, Paola, Kansas, and Candice and husband Jake Hess, Manhattan, Kansas; sisters, Trish Herman and brother-in-law Wilbur, Butler, and Carolyn Ralston and brother-in-law Rick, Sibley; numerous siblings-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the loving women of Heartland Hospice and Medicalodge of Butler for their care.
Graveside funeral services were May 19 in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Adrian Frontier Village in Adrian.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler.
Jerel D. Wilson
April 4, 1926 – May 18, 2021
Jerel “Jerry” Dean Wilson, 95, Butler, died May 18 at Butler Center in Butler. She was born April 4, 1926, the daughter of Epley and Susie Arnold Bunch in Dove.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willard Lee “Bill” Wilson; two brothers, Jean and Jackie; a son, John Wilson; and daughter, Sandy Teal.
Jerry is survived by a son, Robert Roland, Las Vegas, Nevada; two daughters, Susie Vetter and husband, Tom, Burkeburnett, Texas, and Billie Williams and husband, Dave, Butler; 17 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. June 7 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler. Visitation will be prior to services from 10 to 11 a.m. at Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.
Contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
